GAO STUDY AND REPORT ON THE ALTERNATE ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE PILOT PROGRAM.

SEC. 563. GAO STUDY AND REPORT ON THE ALTERNATE ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE PILOT PROGRAM. (a) Study.—The Comptroller General shall study the effectiveness of the alternate essential air service pilot program established under section 41745 of title 49, United States Code, (in this section referred to as the “Alternate EAS program”), including challenges, if any, that have impeded robust community participation in the Alternate EAS program. (b) Contents.—The study required under subsection (a) shall include an assessment of potential changes to the Alternate EAS program and the basic essential air service programs under subchapter II of chapter 417 of title 49, United States Code, including changes in which Governors of States or territories containing essential air service communities would be given block grants in lieu of essential air service subsidies. (c) Briefing.—Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the study required under subsection (a), including any recommendations for legislation and administrative action as the Comptroller General determines appropriate.